More floats, veterans, cars and kids are needed for the second-annual veterans parade set for Nov. 7 in Athens, the event coordinator said.

Deadline to enter is Oct. 30.

“We are giving trophy and ribbons for the best float, the best overall entry, the best truck, the best Auburn or Alabama car and — if there are enough kids who enter — the best wagon or bicycle,” said Roxanne Haggermaker, who helped revive the local Veterans Day parade last year after the event had fallen out of popularity.

There is no fee to enter the parade but participants will be asked to give a donation. Proceeds will be used to help veterans who need groceries in Athens and Limestone County, Haggermaker said.

“Also, if you know of veterans who need groceries, we would like to help,” she said.

Although Veterans Day is Nov. 11, the parade is set for the Saturday before because the Veterans of Foreign Wars post at Alabama 127 is holding a chicken stew at 11 a.m. and Attorney General Troy King is guest speaker, Haggermaker said.

Parade lineup will be from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and the parade, which follows the Christmas parade route from Athens High School, around the square to Hometown Grocery, starts at 11.

“We have 30 entries so far and last year we had 116,” Haggermaker said. “We would like any and all veterans and businesses to enter. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, churches, and we would love to have any Honor Flight people participate. We would also like to see more kids enter their bicycle or wagon.”

There will be an Honor Flight float to honor those World War II veterans.

Haggermaker would also like someone from the Elkmont veterans to call her about participating because she is uncertain who is their leader.

There will be three grand marshals for this year’s parade — Carlos Calvert of Athens, an Honor Flight participant who wanted to be a grand marshal last year but could not; Bill Legg of Athens, a charter member of the VFW; and veteran Walter Hardiman of Athens.

There is no particular theme for the parade; last year’s participants simply opted for red, white and blue decorations. People will also be handing out poppies and small American flags at the event.

To register or for more information, call Haggermaker at (256) 374-2073; Alysha Towe at (256) 874-7215 or Roger Keyes, post commander of VFW 4765 in Athens, at (256) 374-2072.